November 16, 2012 - The pilot of a F-22 Raptor,
assigned to the 43rd Fighter Squadron, safely
ejected as the jet crashed on Thursday around
3:30 p.m. on Tyndall Air Force Base one-quarter
mile east of the drone runway.

Despite initial media speculation, there are no
indications that point to the life support
system leading to this incident or playing any
role in Tyndall's F-22 crash; however, a
thorough investigation is being conducted in
accordance with standard Air Force and Defense
Department policy.

The pilot was conducting a routine training
mission when first responders were alerted of a
problem via an inflight emergency call and were
on scene fighting the fire within two minutes of
the incident.

"Our first responders reacted quickly and
professionally due to the extensive training we
conduct here at Tyndall," said Col. David Graff,
325th Fighter Wing commander. "In addition, the
pilot received top-notch care from our medical
group."

A safety team has begun interviewing witnesses,
maintainers and other individuals immediately
after the incident. "Right now, our number one
priority is the safety of our Airmen and all
involved as we secure the scene of the
incident," Colonel Graff said.

The first step taken in the securing process was
a sweep by explosive ordnance disposal Airmen
for any parts of the aircraft that may be
explosive. Follow-on steps include addressing
environmental and biological hazards. Most
modern aircraft are made of composite fibers,
which can create health concerns for people on
the scene when a plane catches fire.

Tyndall first responders are well trained and
equipped to respond to aircraft crashes and
minimize their effects on surrounding areas,
Colonel Graff said. Throughout the initial and
continued responses all personnel have worn the
appropriate protective gear, and they will
continue to do so until the immediate site of
the crash is deemed safe.

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat,
twin-engine fifth-generation super maneuverable fighter
aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed
primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has
additional capabilities that include ground attack,
electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is the prime contractor and
is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon
systems and final assembly of the F-22. Program partner
Boeing Defense, Space & Security provides the wings, aft
fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.